There are so many awesome home projects out there that use recycled wood from pallets. Companies use these pallets to bring in products, then they are usually discarded. However, with the salvaged wood from the pallets, you can make lawn furniture, tables, chairs, shelves, clocks, lamps, desks- literally anything that can be made from wood- all for free or cheap. But how do you get ahold of them? Simple! Just check out this post by Pallet Furniture DIY for tips:

Bookshelves can be expensive. Especially really nice, good looking ones. You know what’s not expensive? Finding crates at thrift stores, farmer’s markets, flea markets, and discounted craft stores. They’re super versatile, and can be used as small tables and for storage! I love this idea by Cori at the Cori’s Corner Blog; she bought several small crates from a craft store, stained them herself, and then drilled them together to create a beautiful, striking bookcase. Check out her process here:

-Stack the crates beforehand to see what pattern you want your bookcase to be

I can honestly say I’ve never met anyone who has cooked their own dog food. To me, it sounds intimidating, time consuming, and expensive. However, this recipe by Emily at Emily’s Little Homestead is anything but. It’s made from fresh ingredients, all prepared at once, and will last your dog for two weeks. If you are concerned about what you are putting into your dog’s body, then this recipe is for you! Here’s what you need:

I’ve never been a crazy dog person. I like dogs; I think they’re cute. But people who buy little outfits for their dogs, throw doggie birthday parties and weddings, and bring their dogs everywhere honestly weird me out, haha. I guess it’s because I’m more of a cat person.

However, when I saw these adorable doggie birthday cupcakes by Carlee at The Little Sloth, I admit I may have squealed a little. I mean come on, they’re so cute! And 100% dog friendly. If you feel like celebrating a birthday or other event with your pooch, here’s the recipe. All you need is:

A simple way to save money on furnishings is to buy them used and upcycle them. You can find furniture for cheap from thrift stores, or free online or from friends. Then, you can personalize them any way you like! Most upcycling tutorials I see involve sanding the old furniture, then painting it a new, fun color. Others have to do with re-upholstering cushions with brand new fabric. However, this guide by Diane at In My Own Style has an alternative way to upcycle furniture- by transferring printed text to the wood! Check out the amazing photo tutorial here. All you need is:

We all have that one place in our home where everything seems to end up: a junk drawer, the cluttered counter, or just the trash can. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a designated space for incoming and outgoing mail, spare pens and pencils, important school info, meal planning, and a calendar of upcoming events? Well, you just have to create one of your own! Check out this awesome post by Erin at How To Nest For Less to see how she built her own beautiful kitchen command center. She included:

Coffee is what gets most of us going in the morning. It wakes us up, gives us a caffeine kick, and the energy to start the day. But, did you know it can also have the same revitalizing effect on your plants? Coffee grounds can simply work wonders in the garden. For a list of different outdoor uses for coffee grounds, read this post by Joy at Bless My Weeds:

-Use coffee grounds in compost to help things decompose faster

-Sprinkle grounds around plants before it rains for a nitrogen boost

-Mix a ½ bag of coffee grounds in 5 gallons of water. Let the mixture sit for a day, then sprinkle on plants that need extra nutrients.

One of the fastest, easiest, and cheapest ways to brighten up and refresh a room is by changing up your chairs. A fresh coat of paint or some new fabric can completely transform your old furniture, and is much less expensive than buying all new chairs. Plus, when recovering your own chairs, it’s totally customizable and you are able to have complete control over how your space looks. For a step by step tutorial with photos, check out this recovering guide by Sonya at At Home With The Barkers:

-Since I only needed to cover 6 chairs, 2 1/4 yards of fabric would work. I did end up buying 2 1/2 yards just for a little extra

-Remove the seats by unscrewing them

-Lay your new fabric face down, put the seat on top, cut out how much you will need

-Be sure you staple down the center of each side in order to keep the fabric centered. Then carefully pull tight all the way around as you staple it down. Fold the corners in carefully creating simple pleats. You don’t want it to look like a wrapped package.